21st century learning tools

During my Internet research on Newton’s Laws of Motion, I found a variety of labs that could be turned into guided inquiry investigations for students that would foster their scientific learning. One that students may find interesting because it involves building ramps and playing with Hot Wheels cars is found at http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/louviere/Newton/hotwheels.html. For this lab, the procedure could be omitted and the teacher could pose the guiding question to the students. The students would then use the materials to write their own procedures and become more scientifically literate individuals.
Another powerful tool for students to complete is a Web Quest. This will build upon their knowledge and their technology skills that are a must in the 21st century. A great Web Quest can be found at images.pcmac.org/Uploads/.../newtons%20laws%20webquest.doc. Students can work independently or collaborate with each other to ensure they understand the key ideas correctly.
A physical activity that would differentiate instruction and make students apply Newton’s laws to real world scenarios is based on a SeaWorld/Busch Gardens animal game that would divide the class up into groups. The teacher would not have much preparation for this activity and it would benefit the students to see that physics applies to all aspects of the world. This activity can be downloaded from www.seaworld.org/.../classroom.../Newton%20Laws%20of%20Motion.pdf.
All of the above referenced ideas of motion would be easy to bring into the classroom with prior planning and access to laptops. The Hot Wheels lab requires the most planning and gathering of materials. Students will benefit from the use of manipulatives and technology in the classroom. Teachers should no longer be using direct instruction as the main source of teaching in the classroom. There are many more valuable resources available that will captivate, teach and prepare students for the 21st century.